HUDDERSFIELD-born movie legend James Mason has been honoured in Switzerland with a vineyard dedicated to his memory.

The star of Lolita, North by Northwest and Rommel, Desert Fox spent his last 22 years living close to the steeply sloping vineyard in Corseaux above Vevey, Lake Geneva.

He loved walking in the area and the spectacular views of the lake and surrounding Alps.

He made many friends in the area and often discussed the prospects for the year's vintage with the local winegrowers.

He was also an enthusiastic supporter of the village soccer club.

Now, a vineyard has been named after him during a special ceremony.

It has been marked with a commemorative plaque and a large explanatory board, in both French and English, illustrated with a photograph of the actor and one of his own self-portraits.

The board tells the story of his life from his birth in Marsh to his subsequent glittering film career spanning 55 years, first in England and then in Hollywood.

Next year a bust of Mason will be added to the site and a special limited edition bottling of Corseaux wine, dedicated to the actor and labelled with his portrait, will be introduced.

Unveiling the vineyard plaque, Yves Christen, President of the Swiss National Parliament, who knew the actor well, recalled: "James Mason touched me and indeed all those who met him by his unassuming attitude, genuine warmth and friendly, down-to-earth approach.

"This undoubtedly stemmed from his strong Yorkshire family roots, which despite his fame, he never forgot and often talked about."

Prominent at the dedication ceremony among Swiss dignitaries and a throng of well-wishers and fans , were Michael and Eugene Chaplin, sons of Charlie Chaplin, Mason's neighbour and friend, who is buried close to him in the village cemetery.

* Corseaux produces 80 % white wine plus some red and rosés.